Tasman Motorsports Group Signs Matt Lockwood as Development Driver

The role will see Lockwood getting full support from TMG as he campaigns the V8 Challenge Cup – the main support category for V8 SuperTourers.

Lockwood currently leads the V8 Challenge Cup, after winning all three races in Round 1 at Hampton Downs in February.

Team Principal, Steve Horne says Lockwood is a star of the future and is pleased to get him onboard with TMG.

“Matt’s performance at the opening round of the V8 Challenge Cup was impressive – he was fastest in every practice, qualifying and won all three races. He has all the attributes to go all the way and is one of the stars of the future. The team and I will work closely with him this year to progress him further as a driver,” said Horne.

In only his second year of motor racing Matt won the inaugural NZV8 Ute Series in 2008 and followed that up with a close second the following year. In addition he comprehensively won the New Zealand Mazda Pro7 Plus title for the last two years whilst racing in two classes, sometimes at the same race meeting.

Currently Lockwood is also the star and spokesperson for a television campaign supported by Arthritis NZ. The television commercial is raising awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of Arthritis that Matt has.

Lockwood says signing with TMG is a huge move forward in his motor racing career.

“Steve and TMG have a pretty impressive international racing resume and I’m very excited and thankful for this opportunity,” said Lockwood.

“I really want to progress my professional motor racing career, TMG are a very professional and experienced team and will provide me with the best opportunities for my racing future.”

Horne says the teams future lies firmly on two cars for the 2013 V8 SuperTourer championship.

“We’ll move to two cars in 2013, I’ve planned this as a way to open the door for drivers like Matt to get to take the next step. I think I have shown in the past that I have been able to help young drivers get to the next level and beyond.

“Even I didn't think Helio Castroneves would become a 3 time Indy 500 winner when he drove for me in Indy Lights!”

The signing of Matt Lockwood follows the recent announcement of Daniel Gaunt as the driver of the TMG Ford FG Falcon V8 SuperTourer.